The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Southwest Zone has appealed to government for assistance, citing numerous challenges facing the industry.
Rev. Gideon Oluleye, PAN Chairman (Southwest), listed rising production costs, expensive raw materials, high duties, taxes and unfavourable policies as some of the challenges.
While commending government’s creation of the Ministry of Livestock, the association emphasised the need for further intervention.
“Please we need your intervention, we need your support, we need the government to provide funding gap for us.
“Loan at single digit from the Central Bank, not only for farmers but also for importers of poultry raw materials.
“When we are able to access this loan at single digit, it will make availability of these products and the cost available within the economy. The prices will be regulated and then farmers can buy and use.”
Industry stakeholders, including Mr Sampson Odipe and Dr Olalekan Odunsi, echoed Oluleye’s sentiments, highlighting the sector’s significance in ensuring healthy living.
They urged the government to regulate prices and invest in rural infrastructure.
“We are begging government to take a closer look at these things; cost of raw materials is too expensive, the producers would be left with no option, it’s what they buy that they will sell,” Odipe said.
“We are crying and begging Nigerian government to please come to the aid of poultry farmers especially so that food will be on the table for every Nigerian,” Odunsi said.
Similarly, Dr Alaba Towoju, Chairman, PAN Osun State Chapter, described the agricultural industry in Nigeria as “depressed” calling for a comprehensive plan to rescue it.
“We are imploying the Federal Government to come up with a master plan to rescue the poultry industry, and by extension, agric industry in Nigeria.
A poultry farmer, Madam Blessing Alawode, also emphasised the importance of affordable food in eliminating hunger and poverty.
“If food is cheap anybody can survive, it is important that government pays attention to that sector to help meet one of the key Sustainable Development Goals to eliminate or reduce poverty and hunger.”
